Four Republicans join Democrats as House votes to curb Trump’s Iran war powers
The closely contested vote exposed divisions within the Republican Party while renewing debate over Congress' authority to approve extended military operations overseas.
US President Donald Trump has said Iran has approached Washington to discuss negotiations, even as the White House warns that events unfolding inside the country could force American action before any talks take place.
Speaking to reporters onboard Air Force One, Trump said Iranian leaders had contacted the US amid escalating protests across Iran, now in their third week. The unrest, driven by inflation, economic hardship and public anger, has turned violent in several regions.
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“They do. They called. Iran called to negotiate yesterday. The leaders of Iran called. They want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States. Iran wants to negotiate,” Trump said.
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He confirmed that a meeting was being planned but cautioned that Washington may not wait indefinitely.
“We may meet with them. I mean, it’s a meeting being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up,” the US President added.
US issues warnings as Iran unrest deepens
Trump’s remarks came as protests intensified across Iran, with reports of clashes between demonstrators and security forces in multiple provinces. Human rights groups say hundreds have been killed since demonstrations began on December 28.
Asked about Iran’s warning that US military and commercial bases would be considered legitimate targets if Washington struck, Trump responded sharply.
“If they do that, we’ll consider things that they wouldn’t believe. We will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before,” he said.
When pressed on whether Tehran would take the threat seriously, Trump replied, “Wouldn’t you say that they probably do at this point, after going through it for years with me?… Soleimani, al-Baghdadi, the Iran nuclear threat wiped out… What a stupid question.”
The President also said his administration was discussing ways to restore internet access in Iran after authorities shut down services nationwide. He said conversations were ongoing, including the possibility of involving Elon Musk’s Starlink, though no decision had been taken.
“We are going to be talking about that. We may get the internet going. We may speak to Elon Musk; I am going to call him,” Trump said.
Deaths mount as internet blackout continues
Iran has been under a near-total internet shutdown since January 8, a move widely seen as an attempt to suppress information flow and coordination among protesters. According to Netblocks, the blackout crossed the 84-hour mark on Monday.
Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said at least 544 people have been killed during the protests so far, with over 10,681 arrested and transferred to prisons. Demonstrations have been recorded at 585 locations across 186 cities in all 31 provinces.
Among the dead are protesters, security personnel, non-protesting civilians and children. HRANA said dozens of reported deaths are still under investigation, warning that verification has become increasingly difficult due to the internet shutdown.
Meanwhile, exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has publicly backed the demonstrators, calling the unrest a nationwide uprising against the Islamic Republic.
In a video message, he urged Iranians to continue protests and appealed to government employees and security forces to side with the public.
“I announce another stage of the national uprising to overthrow the Islamic Republic and reclaim our dear Iran,” he said, adding that embassies abroad belong to the people and should display Iran’s national flag.
US voices hint at military action
In Washington, senior US lawmakers have also issued stark warnings. Senator Lindsey Graham, speaking at a fundraising event, suggested military action against Iran could be imminent.
“I don’t know what, but this might be the night. It’s just a matter of time now,” Graham said, adding that the Iranian leadership “needs to go.”
Trump has separately said Iran appears to be crossing a “red line” over the killing of protesters, prompting Washington to consider what he described as “very strong options”.
“They’re starting to; it looks like,” Trump said when asked if the red line had been crossed.
“There seem to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed… we’re looking at it very seriously. The military’s looking at it. We’re looking at some very strong options; we’ll make a determination,” he added.
According to reports cited by ANI, Trump has been briefed on a range of military options, though the administration has not disclosed what steps, if any, it may take next.
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